14 January sees a huge crowd of devotees at the Sabarimala shrine every year. This is because a devotee has the twin advantage of having the 'darshan' of the God and also a glimpse of the 'Makarajyothi' that lights up at the nearby hill only on that day. This year the crowd of pilgrims have been unprecedented. And the stampede caused by the returning devotees - wonder what the reason was - had caused the unfortunate loss of lives.
As I'd recounted earlier, I've been to Sabarimala eighteen times on the trot and most of the places, that are being talked about, are familiar as I've passed through them during my forays but must, however, admit that the place that has come live now - thanks to the tragedy - has never been crossed or passed through by me as I'd frequented a different route.
One of the beliefs associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage is that a pilgrim can leave this earthly life anytime during the trek, on God's calling and towards that end, when the pilgrim breaks the coconut after the preparatory 'puja' and leaves for the shrine, a lamp is lit which only gets put off on his/her safe return!
Hope those 100 odd unfortunate pilgrims who lost their lives have attained their heavenly abode. And I offer my humble prayers.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Why the reticence?
The Chinese are again upto mischief with their repeat insistence of stapled visas for people from Arunachal Pradesh. And mind you, this incident comes close on the heels of the PLA Army's incursions into Ladakh to stop governmental projects in progress, by threatening the local contractors. In the meanwhile, frenetic work on laying of roads, shelters or watch towers on their side of the border goes on unabated.
Why're we allowing those guys to bully us? Why can't we take a firm stand and show them that our patience is running thin and they'd better not mess with us. There's a limit to our patience and double speak, on their part is simply not acceptable, even tenable.
We cannot afford to be meek and need to call the Chinese bluff, forthwith without any hesitation!
A pleasant and welcome break in the cold!
The cold has suddenly reduced today and the sun was strong for a change. There was no westerly disturbance - a euphemism for a perceptible chill factor! Wonder how long it's gonna last as winter in Delhi is far from over. Probably, nature is also celebrating the festival of 'Lohri'. As I punch in these words of mine, there's a lot of gaiety and singing down below this block and one can't help but be part of the celebrations, albeit mentally!
Why're we allowing those guys to bully us? Why can't we take a firm stand and show them that our patience is running thin and they'd better not mess with us. There's a limit to our patience and double speak, on their part is simply not acceptable, even tenable.
We cannot afford to be meek and need to call the Chinese bluff, forthwith without any hesitation!
A pleasant and welcome break in the cold!
The cold has suddenly reduced today and the sun was strong for a change. There was no westerly disturbance - a euphemism for a perceptible chill factor! Wonder how long it's gonna last as winter in Delhi is far from over. Probably, nature is also celebrating the festival of 'Lohri'. As I punch in these words of mine, there's a lot of gaiety and singing down below this block and one can't help but be part of the celebrations, albeit mentally!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Deeply distressing!
The senseless death of an eatery executive, thanks to roadrage and caused by an aviation pilot
at the Khan Market in Delhi really distresses me. Having the propensity myself,to fly off the handle
at times when I see things going wrong, I've paused to ponder as to whether it's really worth it
in the final reckoning - and that too, for a few scratches on one's car?
The pressures of life, coupled with some boorish behaviour from without, is a perfect recipe
for disaster.
I've analysed that it takes quite a bit of time for me to get angry or provoked, but having crossed
the threshold it takes a bit of time to cool down. Contemplation over long walks, meditation and to
a small extent, yoga have helped me in controlling this aspect but there's ample scope for improvement!
The villain's still at large.
The bizarre spectacle of Mayawati's MLA, charged with raping a minor - and the hapless victim paradoxically languishing in jail - moving freely and mouthing inanities, makes me feel angry. And what makes matters worse is that none of the high flying visitors in UP, like the Gandhi cousins, have had the time to meet the victim. Sadly, all politicians - young or old - are of the same genre in terms of humaneness; all of them seem to be bothered about their image and nothing else!
And it's a shame that Mayawati, herself, has not reacted to this date! How can a leader be so heartless? So shameless? It baffles me.
at the Khan Market in Delhi really distresses me. Having the propensity myself,to fly off the handle
at times when I see things going wrong, I've paused to ponder as to whether it's really worth it
in the final reckoning - and that too, for a few scratches on one's car?
The pressures of life, coupled with some boorish behaviour from without, is a perfect recipe
for disaster.
I've analysed that it takes quite a bit of time for me to get angry or provoked, but having crossed
the threshold it takes a bit of time to cool down. Contemplation over long walks, meditation and to
a small extent, yoga have helped me in controlling this aspect but there's ample scope for improvement!
The villain's still at large.
The bizarre spectacle of Mayawati's MLA, charged with raping a minor - and the hapless victim paradoxically languishing in jail - moving freely and mouthing inanities, makes me feel angry. And what makes matters worse is that none of the high flying visitors in UP, like the Gandhi cousins, have had the time to meet the victim. Sadly, all politicians - young or old - are of the same genre in terms of humaneness; all of them seem to be bothered about their image and nothing else!
And it's a shame that Mayawati, herself, has not reacted to this date! How can a leader be so heartless? So shameless? It baffles me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
My buying spree!
Since I was back from a break, I'd to stock up provisions and grocery for our maid to take care of my gastronomical needs over the next week. And just before I ventured out to the nearby market, I'd asked her to give me a list of items that were required.
And like a dutiful guy - I did not want her to feel that I was scrounging nor did I want her to rack her brains over trivia concerning my food requirements. Food is my last priority, one must eat to survive, that's my motto - I was back from the market with the stuff.
It was only when I saw the maid's expression did I realise that I'd gone overboard on my buying spree. Frankly, I'd not bothered about the prices and as I'd said the underlying factor which prompted me during my foray into the market was that she had to be given what she needed! Onions, ginger and whatnot @ the prevalent rates did not deter my enthusiasm but must have made her feel guilty.
My reply to her surprise was a sheepish grin. Even the Ambani brothers might not have done things on this scale!
PS.
Wonder whether the grocer had a hearty laugh at my expense?
And like a dutiful guy - I did not want her to feel that I was scrounging nor did I want her to rack her brains over trivia concerning my food requirements. Food is my last priority, one must eat to survive, that's my motto - I was back from the market with the stuff.
It was only when I saw the maid's expression did I realise that I'd gone overboard on my buying spree. Frankly, I'd not bothered about the prices and as I'd said the underlying factor which prompted me during my foray into the market was that she had to be given what she needed! Onions, ginger and whatnot @ the prevalent rates did not deter my enthusiasm but must have made her feel guilty.
My reply to her surprise was a sheepish grin. Even the Ambani brothers might not have done things on this scale!
PS.
Wonder whether the grocer had a hearty laugh at my expense?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Simply overwhelming!
It was a day when people showed as to how much they cared. There were a string of calls to know the details about my impending move out of Delhi. Help has been promised and details outlined for making the procedure of shifting berth as unobtrusive, as possible. It's wonderful to have friends like these, one can never go wrong!
As I begin winding up my present establishment, there has been an outpouring of feelings and cute gestures by the circle of friends that we've acquired during our stay here. Even the biting cold hasn't been a dampener in the manner that many of them have looked after me. I really feel privileged and would like to believe that the members of this extended family have given us - Lekha and me - a special place in their hearts.
I guess I shall ever remain indebted to each one of them for the kindness that they've showered upon us. Is there anything else that one requires in life? I hope that we can reciprocate, in some small measure, as early as possible.
Simply overwhelming!!
As I begin winding up my present establishment, there has been an outpouring of feelings and cute gestures by the circle of friends that we've acquired during our stay here. Even the biting cold hasn't been a dampener in the manner that many of them have looked after me. I really feel privileged and would like to believe that the members of this extended family have given us - Lekha and me - a special place in their hearts.
I guess I shall ever remain indebted to each one of them for the kindness that they've showered upon us. Is there anything else that one requires in life? I hope that we can reciprocate, in some small measure, as early as possible.
Simply overwhelming!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A delightful journey.
After the customary farewells, I was off on the return leg of my journey with much trepidation about the weather at Delhi and the ability to be back at my place, at the appointed hour. Well, I found that my fears were totally unfounded and could reach my destination, albeit an hour late and the cold hit me with all its ferocity!
It was, however, yet another friend that I'd picked up - the young lady, Smita was on the adjacent seat - during the flight and the interaction with her that made the journey, of over four hours, memorable. Her good upbringing with the right value system was evident from the start. She's chirpy, very full of life and could laugh at herself. And the striking thing about her's that she's matured, far beyond her age, in her overall outlook towards life. She has varied interests, is currently working for an MNC and dotes on her six-and-a-half year old daughter, Neelu. And mind you, she's had a sad experience in life and anyone else in her place would have broken long before.
Smita Nair, continue being what you are and keep smiling. Here's me wishing you the very best in all your endeavours and may God be with you, always and everytime!
It was, however, yet another friend that I'd picked up - the young lady, Smita was on the adjacent seat - during the flight and the interaction with her that made the journey, of over four hours, memorable. Her good upbringing with the right value system was evident from the start. She's chirpy, very full of life and could laugh at herself. And the striking thing about her's that she's matured, far beyond her age, in her overall outlook towards life. She has varied interests, is currently working for an MNC and dotes on her six-and-a-half year old daughter, Neelu. And mind you, she's had a sad experience in life and anyone else in her place would have broken long before.
Smita Nair, continue being what you are and keep smiling. Here's me wishing you the very best in all your endeavours and may God be with you, always and everytime!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A day of travel and meeting up with old friends!
I was off to Kottayam alongwith my classmates, Padmasenan & his wife, Sujatha and Deric. The drive to the Baselios College at Kottayam and the church close by was a nice one with us catching up from where we'd left last and recounting the humorous episodes at school.
The wedding at the church, was as usual, elegant with an aristocratic touch. I was glad that I was fortunate that I could make it and then, it was the bonhomie between us classmates that was of interest to the other guests who also indulged in our boisterousness. After blessing the newly wedded couple and their parents, it was time to oblige the shutterbugs for capturing all of us for posterity.
By evening, I was back at 'chellakkili's' house and had the occasion to meet a few more of our friends. All in all, it was a day well spent! Meera and Siddharth dropped in and it was a sober get together. It's over a year since Rebu had passed away and I'm happy that Sucy has put her grief behind her to get seriously involved in the training activity that she's a master at!
The troubled father brought his daughter to have a detailed discussions with the lawyer for the way ahead. In my analysis, the young lady was still too early for marriage and perhaps, the incompatibility started from that point. I've promised to hear the boy's version before legal action is initiated for a separation and this has been generally agreed to by all parties!!
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